Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-related disabilities among U.S. veterans, affecting more than three million people nationwide.

Knowing military service members are routinely exposed to noise that can cause lasting auditory damage, which can make school harder for active duty and student veterans, Karen Doherty, senior associate dean for faculty affairs and professor in the in the, and Tammy Kordas, associate teaching professor also in CSD, set out to learn how tinnitus may be impacting veteran students on campus.

When the two certified audiologists initially went looking for existing research on the prevalence of tinnitus鈥攁 ringing or other noise in the ears that isn鈥檛 caused by external sound鈥攁mong veterans on college campuses, they found almost nothing.

So they, along with two of their doctoral students, Marissa Merrifield and Joshua Deus, surveyed service members and veterans currently enrolled at 网爆门 to explore the relationship between self-perceived hearing difficulty and listening fatigue and self-perceived hearing difficulty and tinnitus severity.

The two faculty members have collaborated on research in the past, though this is their first project focused on veterans. Together, they bring complementary expertise to the project. Doherty contributes a research perspective, while Kordas brings a clinical perspective and specialized training in tinnitus management through her work with patients at the .

Doherty says the sparse literature on student veterans and tinnitus wasn鈥檛 entirely surprising. Most tinnitus research focuses on older veterans, the demographic that arrives at VA medical centers in their 60s and 70s, ready for hearing aids for diagnosed hearing loss.

Student veterans, meanwhile, appeared to occupy a different and largely unexamined space.

鈥淵ou might have 鈥榥ormal鈥� hearing yet have a lot of difficulty hearing in background noise as well as challenges in trying to deal with the secondary effects of tinnitus,鈥� Doherty says.

To get a sense of how much tinnitus impacts student veterans, they sent out the survey with the help of听retired U.S. Army Colonel听, executive director of the .听

Determining the Prevalence鈥攁nd Impact鈥攐f Tinnitus

The research team developed a survey combining standardized outcome measures for determining self-perceived listening difficulties and the severity of a person鈥檚 tinnitus. Original questions about the students鈥� past noise exposures, such as firearms, explosions or piloted aircraft, were included.

鈥淭innitus is one of the most common service-connected injuries affecting members as they transition out of military service,鈥� Novack says. 鈥淚t affects your quality of sleep, your concentration. It affects stress levels for you, either up or down, depending on the acoustics in the environment in which you’re operating. It affects your ability, or a student’s ability, to fully engage in learning environments.鈥�

For student veterans, experiencing tinnitus could mean difficulty focusing during lectures or increased fatigue, with background noise in a classroom forcing them to work twice as hard to hear the lesson.

鈥淭he tinnitus itself wears on anyone,鈥� Novack says. 鈥淚t can increase anxiety in what we would like to see and experience as a quiet learning environment. And veterans may not come right out and tell someone they have this problem. They’re going to go into a classroom, and they’re going to find a way to navigate that invisible disability potentially without an accommodation, because they don’t think it’s a big deal. So they might be recording the whole entire lecture and then come back and take notes at their own pace and cadence.鈥�

The research team sent the survey to 270 student veterans in the fall and 97 responded. Of those students, 82% reported experiencing tinnitus.

Students who reported experiencing tinnitus went on to complete a standardized test measuring the severity. Forty percent reported bothersome tinnitus, which indicates it is affecting quality of life. Only about 10% of the general population in the same age range experiences bothersome tinnitus.

鈥淲e went into this with certain hypotheses, one of them being that exposure to loud noise during military service would be associated with higher rates of tinnitus,鈥� Doherty says. 鈥淏ut we didn’t know it was going to be more than twice those of traditional college students. We were really surprised.鈥�

A Starting Point

Kordas, Doherty and Novack all agree that identifying the scope of the problem is only the first step toward developing meaningful support and solutions.

鈥淚t gives us more of an opportunity to move from an anecdotal awareness on campus, toward a more data-informed understanding of how this issue really affects student veterans at the University,鈥� Novack says.

Doherty and Kordas aim to implement interventions for student veterans with listening difficulties and tinnitus, including using hearing assistive technologies in the classroom that improve signal-to-noise ratios in lecture settings. This would potentially reduce fatigue and listening effort.

The researchers also hope to bring student veterans into a clinic setting to assess whether their tinnitus is accompanied by measurable hearing loss.

鈥淵ou can manage and treat tinnitus, so knowledge is power,鈥� Kordas says. 鈥淚 think providing them with informational counseling about this condition would be beneficial as well.鈥�

Many student veterans may already be eligible for treatment or other interventions for their hearing difficulties through the VA medical center.

鈥溾�業 need assistance,鈥� that’s what our veterans need to say,鈥� Novack says. 鈥淥nce they do that, we have the here on campus and we have the VITAL program where we can help knock down barriers and facilitate care for our veterans who might need accommodations, need to have this tinnitus addressed and put in a care plan to assist them.鈥�听

First for Veterans

The University鈥檚 infrastructure for veterans made this research possible in a way few universities could replicate, Doherty says.

鈥淲e couldn’t do this without the veteran center being the way it is, and Ron鈥檚 support of the project was an integral part of its success,鈥� she says.

Novack says the OVMA is always eager to partner and support 鈥渞esponsible research that helps better inform and understand the lived experience of our veterans.鈥�

鈥淚t’s small things like this that move the needle each and every day,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd our longstanding institutional commitment is what brings transitioning service members to Syracuse, because they know when they come here, they’re going to get taken care of, that this institution has a national reputation for taking care of those who have worn the nation’s cloth.鈥�

What the research team learned and implements as a result of their recent study could serve as a model for other academic institutions with smaller veteran programs and less organized support systems, Doherty says.

鈥淭here are a lot of people who have tinnitus and there are ways to treat it,鈥� Kordas says. 鈥淚t may not go away completely, but the goal is to manage it and reduce how much it affects daily life.鈥�

The team returned from the Formula SAE Michigan competition having outperformed every car the program has produced in the last 20 years鈥攁 milestone that marks a turning point for one of the University鈥檚 oldest engineering clubs.

The team鈥檚 entry, designated CR5, was the first car Citrus Racing designed entirely from scratch in six years. For the first time in 20 years, the team completed every dynamic event on the Formula SAE schedule. The CR5 car also cleared technical inspection before noon on the second day鈥攁 benchmark rarely achieved by any team in the field.

鈥淐itrus Racing represents trust in the importance of self-guided learning,” says outgoing team leader Ryan Brennan 鈥�26. “The result is that Citrus Racing alumni are growing not simply into engineers that can turn a wrench, but they are also learning how to work with each other across dynamic business, media, technical and social domains out of real need to operate well or suffer as an organization. We appreciate the help we received from across the . Without that help, Citrus Racing would not be nearly as strong as it is today.鈥�

Citrus Racing is student run with faculty and staff advisors available for consultation. That model gives students opportunity take risks and learn from failures.

Brennan said the experience has shaped members into more than capable engineers. 鈥淥ur members take full responsibility for every problem that lands at their feet鈥攂ecause they have to,鈥� he says. 鈥淐itrus Racing is not just a club, it is an ECS sports team that transcends the years.鈥�

New Leadership Named for 2026鈥�27 Season

Nico O鈥橬eill, a Ph.D. student in physics in the , will serve as the club鈥檚 president in the coming year. O鈥橬eill has been managing much of the team鈥檚 back-end operations and was recognized for that work with the formal appointment.

Additional lead positions will be published on the once all appointments are finalized.

What Comes Next

Design work for the next Citrus Racing car is scheduled to begin by June 1, 2027. Incoming leadership will establish high-level improvement goals and set deadlines over the summer, following the same development calendar used in 2025. The team has committed to continuing development of internal combustion vehicles for the near term, while advancing electric vehicle research in parallel. Those interested in getting involved can reach the team鈥檚 leadership at formsae@syr.edu.

More Photos From Michigan

Faculty in the (VPA) and the (A&S) have received (NEA) grants to support their community-engaged creative arts programs.

The awards鈥�$20,000 for a collaborative filmmaking production program aimed at Syracuse City youth and $18,200 for two years of artist residencies at a campus-affiliated cultural center鈥攔eflect the University’s commitment to connecting academic and creative work with the Central New York community.

Teens With a Movie Camera

Now in its third year, “” brings about a dozen local high school students to campus each summer for a three-week media arts production collaboration. Working with film faculty and University students, teens ages 13 to 18 make original short films using smartphones and everyday objects and then present them publicly.

Their work has been shown at the and at . It has also been screened in national and international film festivals, including the Thomas Edison Film festival, where 鈥溾�� won an honorable mention; and in the New Year/New Work Film Festival at The Film-Makers’ Cooperative听in NYC.

The program is co-led by , associate professor in VPA’s Department of Film and Media Arts; VPA film program alumnus G’23 and , a Guggenheim fellow and adjunct professor of photography at Onondaga Community College.

The trio is assisted by undergraduate and graduate film and media arts students. The program aims to empower teens by voicing their ideas through images and public presentation, according to Mi拧o Such媒. He says production relies heavily on improvisation “because it is undertaken as a zero-budget creative production based on the ethos of the tradition of independent cinema and low-budget experimental filmmaking.”

This summer鈥檚 program will explore themes of “defying gravity” and “overcoming the impossible.” Interested teens can apply on the program’s .

Community Folk Art Center

A second NEA grant of $18,200 will support “Rooted & Rising,” an artist residency program at the (CFAC), a University-affiliated cultural hub dedicated to promoting artists of the African Diaspora.

The residency is directed by , executive director of CFAC and assistant professor of African American studies in A&S. The grant will allow a program beginning in summer 2026 continuing through the end of 2027 that will support four artists over the two-year period. In addition to interacting with students in A&S programs, the artists will develop workshops, exhibitions, talks and free public events.

Jackson says the residencies will create meaningful opportunities for 网爆门 students to engage directly with working artists while also expanding access to arts programming for the Central New York community. They also offer the artists 鈥渢he time, space and institutional support to develop new work grounded in public engagement and cultural dialogue,” Jackson says.

The project reflects CFAC’s mission to bridge scholarship, creative expression and community wellness through support of multidisciplinary artists.

More information about NEA grants and their impact on communities is available on the .

A recent major investment in 网爆门 research infrastructure has resulted in the installation of a field emission scanning electron microscope in the University鈥檚 (MRC) facility. The instrument has introduced dramatic new imaging capabilities to researchers at the University and at partner institutions in the region.

The new instrument demonstrates the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting and enabling cutting-edge research in important fields like biomedical engineering, materials science and quantum computing, says , director of research operations in the .

The Zeiss will serve researchers across disciplines and career stages, from advanced undergraduates and graduate students to postdoctoral scholars and faculty. The Zeiss also supports the campus research group and Central New York鈥檚 rapidly expanding semiconductor and quantum technology ecosystem. The instrument was funded by a $335,000 investment by the Office of Research, the and individual faculty contributors.

On Campus and Beyond

The microscope is part of the Office of Research鈥檚 efforts to build shared, core facilities available to users across the University and the greater Syracuse region, says , vice president for research. 鈥淪trong core facilities are a force multiplier for our outstanding faculty and student researchers, providing access to state-of-the-art scientific instruments without the burden of having to purchase and maintain them individually.”

鈥淔or researchers who once drove an hour to use a scanning electron microscope, that capability is now right here, benefiting researchers on our campus, in our community and throughout the region,鈥� Steinbacher says. It also serves as a recruiting tool because it demonstrates to prospective graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty that state-of-the-art instrumentation is readily accessible at Syracuse, he says.

A Billionth of a Meter

Its resolution of 1.6 nanometers means the Zeiss can zoom down to the nanoscale, revealing details as small as a billionth of a meter, sharp enough to capture images of computer chip components, nanoparticles, bacteria and living cells, Steinbacher says.

It captures the shape and texture of an object鈥檚 surface in detailed, three-dimensional images versus thin cross-sections of materials. Because its electron beam works at lower energy levels, the microscope also offers highly detailed viewing of soft or non-metallic materials that typically are difficult or impossible to examine with older equipment, Steinbacher says.

Conventional electron microscopes require samples to be stripped of all moisture and placed under high vacuum, but some materials fall apart or change when dried out. Zeiss permits variable pressure imaging, so air pressure inside the imaging chamber can be adjusted to view samples that aren鈥檛 bone-dry. That lets researchers examine hydrogels, drug-delivery particles and biological samples in a more natural state. That capacity did not previously exist at 网爆门 or other area institutions, according to Steinbacher.

Who Will Use It

Biomedical and chemical engineering researchers can use the microscope to examine polymer film morphology. Environmental scientists can image rocks and fossils. Others will use it for battery technology research and catalyst design. The group and scientists in electrical engineering, computer science and physics can conduct device characterization鈥攖esting device effectiveness and checking for flaws.

, technical director of the , says the Zeiss enables exciting new levels of research. 鈥淚t lets researchers image the surface appearance of synthetic materials, such as polymers or other engineered materials, and biological samples, such as cells, tissues and organisms, at higher resolution and better definition compared to existing instruments in the area.鈥�

The instrument 鈥渋s a critical addition to Syracuse’s growing suite of fabrication and characterization tools for next-generation quantum technologies,鈥� says , assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. 鈥淲e’ll use it to image our superconducting devices at the nanometer scale, hunting down the surface defects and contaminants that limit their performance.鈥�

, assistant professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, says the Zeiss will assist in prescreening superconducting qubit devices鈥攖he tiny, ultra-cold circuits that are the building blocks of quantum computers鈥攆rom device batches fabricated elsewhere. 鈥淭hat will help us focus on the most promising devices听and let students make the connection between the abstract shapes they draw on computer screens and听the actual footprints of the tiny electrical circuits their designs imprint听on the chips.鈥�

For more information about of University instruments and facilities, visit the Core Facilities webpage.

For many students, the path from a degree to a career can feel uncertain. Over spring break, 16 A&S | Maxwell undergraduates traded that uncertainty for firsthand experience in seeing exactly how their liberal arts education gives them an edge.

This spring, a cohort of students from the and the traveled to New York City for the 18th Winston Fisher Seminar, one of the A&S | Maxwell Office of Student Success’s signature听.

This year’s group visited top firms in finance, law, sports, media, publishing and the arts, such as Fisher Brothers, Latham & Watkins, the National Basketball Association, AlphaSights, BBDO, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, WeWork, Teach For America, Penguin Random House, Morgan Stanley and Bloomberg. These experiences allowed students to gain exposure to the many different directions their degree can take them.

The weeklong experience gives undergraduate students from across all majors the opportunity to explore how a liberal arts education translates into real-world career success in the business world. Students spend their time developing and presenting business plans, meeting with industry leaders and building critical networking skills alongside 网爆门 alumni.

Founded in 2006 by Fisher Brothers partner, AREA15 CEO, Dean’s Advisory Board member and Life Trustee Winston Fisher 鈥�96, the seminar has for nearly two decades connected students with a wide range of professional environments, helping them see the breadth of opportunities available to them after graduation.

“The Winston Fisher Seminar proves that a Syracuse liberal arts education opens doors,” says, director of employer and alumni engagement. “Students gain direct access to accomplished alumni and top employers in the world’s most competitive city. It builds connections that launch careers and a mindset that helps students thrive. For 18 years, Winston has delivered something no classroom can replicate鈥攑roof that a liberal arts education is a professional advantage.”

Take a peek at scenes from the 2026 Winston Fisher Seminar below.

Before Charity Hosler 鈥�27 and Somya Chakraborty 鈥�28 decided to study biomedical engineering, they were once wide-eyed children discovering science through hands-on experiments and the possibilities in STEM.

Now, enrolled in the (ECS) and serving as the president and vice president, respectively, of the (BMES), Hosler and Chakraborty are doing their part to educate future generations of STEM enthusiasts.

Each year, one of the main events organized by the BMES is STEM Day, which allows current engineering students to teach lessons about the core principles of aerospace, biomedical, chemical and civil engineering to Central New York children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

鈥淛ust the excitement of learning about science. It鈥檚 really cool being able to give back for the next generation,鈥� Hosler says. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 really cool to think we could be the reason some kid decides to come to Syracuse to study biomedical engineering.鈥�

Hosler, Chakraborty and other BMES members organize activities at four stations, each focused on a particular field of engineering.

During this year鈥檚 STEM Day on Feb. 28, students made slime at the chemical engineering station, learning about polymers and the chemical phase changes the substances undergo as the slime is formed. At the civil engineering station, students built structures that were mechanically sound and could withstand the elements like wind and water.

At the biomedical engineering station, students encountered a hand grabber, which simulated the bones and muscles in a hand, using straws and string to depict how hand muscles move. They also participated in a candy DNA activity, where, using Twizzlers and gummy bears, children learned how the base pairs of DNA match up with each other and what DNA looks like and why.

Demonstrating aerospace engineering, students launched cups into the air, observing Newton’s Third Law, that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

鈥淚 was brought up being exposed to science at a young age, and that鈥檚 part of what made me want to become a biomedical engineer. You can really tell how much these kids love science,鈥� Chakraborty says. 鈥淲atching the gears in their brains turn in real time while they鈥檙e trying to figure something out is fascinating to me. This brings me a lot of joy because that鈥檚 how I felt as a kid when I went to these sessions.鈥�

What Is Biomedical Engineering?

BMES aims to answer that question, helping students connect with each other, discover potential research opportunities, explore possible career paths and develop their networking skills.

Both Hosler and Chakraborty say their organization feels a responsibility to share why biomedical engineering is a timely, important and interdisciplinary specialty.

Biomedical engineers can be responsible for developing, processing and mass-producing drugs and potential life-saving medications, and often they鈥檙e tasked with ensuring quality control when a drug is produced. Or they could be charged with improving how medical devices like pacemakers, heart implants and stents that are going to be used by medical professionals worldwide are sanitized. They鈥檙e also involved with biomaterials, such as studying how to install a device into a patient without causing negative responses.

鈥淏iomedical engineering is an important field, and I think it鈥檚 important for students to get connected with other biomedical engineers and form connections with the people in your major,鈥� Hosler says. 鈥淭hrough the Biomedical Engineering Society, we become more well-rounded, better biomedical engineers who have a desire to serve our communities.鈥�

鈥淚 love that this field allows me to be involved in medicine and have an impact on someone’s life behind the scenes,鈥� Chakraborty says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e dedicating your life to solving a problem that a lot of people are dealing with by trying to find a solution.鈥�

Connecting Students to Research and Career Opportunities

BMES holds study nights each semester and organizes volunteer activities in the community each month. The organization also serves as a bridge between academia and the related industries in the medical field, conducting site visits at different local biomedical engineering facilities.

Partnering with the Chemical Engineering Society, members visited Lotte Biologics, a biopharmaceutical production facility in East Syracuse, touring the space and connecting with industry professionals.

BMES also hosts professors for informal gatherings where students can learn about potential research opportunities across campus.

鈥淎 lot of our students are interested in doing research, but they don’t really know how to get started. We help bridge that gap, introducing freshmen and sophomores who are looking to start their research journey to faculty who are involved with relevant research,鈥� Chakraborty says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e making a difference by connecting students with each other while helping to advance our major.鈥�

They came walking en masse down the Einhorn Family Walk鈥攁 250-person strong contingent of students, faculty, staff and senior leaders led by Otto the Orange. They walked past the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications complex and past tulips wobbling in a brisk spring wind. They walked toward Crouse-Hinds Hall with a single, steady purpose: to rally in support of Chancellor Kent Syverud.

The 鈥淕o Gray in May Walk鈥� was conceived by the Student Government Association (SGA) and held with the support of more than 60 recognized student organizations. The walk on April 28, had a dual purpose: to raise funds for the , in honor of Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and to support Chancellor Syverud, who announced on April 15 that he has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatment at University of Michigan Medicine.

Staff members of 网爆门 in DC also walked on April 28 in support of Chancellor Syverud and in solidarity with the Syracuse campus.

Letters and Messages of Support

In front of the Schine Student Center, before the walk, University community members, many clad in in gray, gathered to write personal letters of caring to Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen. Large posters with such messages as 鈥淔acilities Services (heart) U!,鈥� 鈥淪tand With Our Orange Family鈥� and 鈥淣o One Fights Alone鈥� were displayed on the fa莽ade of Schine.

鈥淏eing here is a deeply meaningful experience for me on both a personal and community level. It gives me the opportunity to stand in support of my first University boss and Chancellor during an incredibly difficult time, while also honoring the memory of my uncle, who lost his life to this disease,鈥� said Liz Costa, office coordinator with Facilities Services. 鈥淏eing surrounded by others who are here for similar reasons creates a strong sense of connection and shared purpose.鈥�

Offering Prayers

Once gathered at Crouse-Hinds Hall, the Rev. Devon Bartholomew, Christian Protestant chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, thanked those assembled.

鈥淭hank you all for coming today. Thank you Student Government Association for responding to Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 diagnosis by asking the right question: How do we respond? You have responded well with conscience and clarity,鈥� Barthlomew said.

He then asked those gathered to join arms in prayer. 鈥淲e pray for Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen and for their continued strength when they feel weakest. Let them experience peace and rest when things are uncertain. Give their sons courage as they support their father and mother. Fill each one with the love and the support that we are sending them from Syracuse when they feel alone.鈥�

Bartholomew asked for prayers for all who are involved in the fight against cancer: for the diagnosed and the undiagnosed, for the families and friends, for the support services, for the doctors and nurses, for the counselors and chaplains, for the researchers and innovators. 鈥淲e pray that progress is made in the advances of cancer research to prevent cancer and detect it early. We pray for treatments that will give longer life to those fighting cancer. We pray for families who support their loved ones,鈥� he said.

鈥淟astly, I pray for those in our Orange Family who have been impacted by brain cancer, that they would be cared for by us as they work or study at 网爆门 and ESF,鈥� Bartholomew said.

Max Lachut 鈥�28, vice president-elect of SGA, was one of the walk鈥檚 organizers and leaders in the walk to Crouse-Hinds. He wanted to support Chancellor Syverud, appreciative of the Chancellor鈥檚 leadership and care for students.

鈥淐hancellor Syverud has been extremely receptive and approachable. I emailed him after a University Senate meeting about a topic I was concerned about. He heard me out and provided valuable insight, and I felt truly heard,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat level of accessibility shapes the culture of an entire institution. It showed me how he views shared governance, and it is a standard I carry into my own leadership.鈥�

More than 50 of Theta Chi鈥檚 Syracuse membership turned out to participate in the walk and posed for a group photo outside Crouse-Hinds Hall afterwards.

鈥淲e have had several members in the house whose family and friends have dealt with cancer or had cancer scares themselves, so we recognize the importance,鈥� said Jake Karedes 鈥�27. 鈥淲e really wanted to come out here and show support for the community.鈥�

SGA President German Nolivos estimated that more than $1,000 has been raised for the Brain Tumor Foundation, with donations continuing to come in. 鈥淲hat happened here on Tuesday is uniquely Syracuse鈥攚e show up for each other, we care and we are a family,鈥� he said.

Well wishes for Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen can be shared on the .

While a summer internship lasts a few months, the impression students make can launch a career.

For students who want to land a full-time position, it鈥檚 all about making a great first impression. And as Career Services Director says, you don鈥檛 get a second chance to establish a professional identity in the workplace.

鈥淎 first impression isn’t just a moment; it shapes how every interaction after that is seen at the company,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淔rom day one, employers are watching to see how interns carry themselves, whether they鈥檙e curious about the work and how they treat people at every level of the organization.鈥�

Summer internships are an opportunity where students will either confirm they’re on the right career path or realize they need to reassess. Capozzi says students should devise short- and long-term goals using the FIT (function, industry and type of organization) lens.

鈥淎n internship is the perfect time to do a career pressure test, whether that鈥檚 the job function you’re doing, the industry you’re in or if the culture of the organization resonates with who you are,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淭hat information is extremely valuable as you set your goals moving forward.鈥�

Capozzi shares how students should prepare for their summer internship and offers tips from employers on how to make a great first impression.

“Leaving the place I鈥檝e called home for the past four years is truly bittersweet. While I am sad to say goodbye, I am incredibly proud of what my peers and I have accomplished,鈥� says Kate Jackson 鈥�26. 鈥淚 look forward to more amazing opportunities and adventures ahead. Go Orange!”

Here are six things seniors should do before they receive their diploma on May 10.

1. : Don鈥檛 miss one of the last times on campus to celebrate with friends before graduation! Highlights include activities, food, giveaways and fun.
2. : Pay it forward by making your Class Giving Campaign gift of $26 and you鈥檒l !
3. : Celebrate your next adventure and complete today!
4. : Acting like a printed time capsule, order a yearbook to preserve University photos, memories of friendships, trends and more.
5. : Including preparation instructions, a complete schedule of events, accessibility information and more, this is your one-stop for all Commencement Weekend information needs.
6. : Graduation marks the start of the alumni experience! Be sure to stay in touch through the Alumni Association鈥檚 expansive events, services, clubs and more!

鈥淪eeing the hard work of the past four years wrap-up is hugely rewarding and likewise emotional,鈥� says Nora Benko 鈥�26. 鈥淟eaving behind this place is bittersweet but the upcoming celebrations will be a great way to close out this chapter in Syracuse.鈥�

The Class of 2026 is wrapping up final assignments, studying for exams and gearing up for their next adventure. But the days before Commencement are a chance to take in everything campus has to offer one last time, whether it’s a final cup of coffee at People’s Place in Hendricks Chapel, a farewell slice of pizza at Varsity or a laughter-filled stroll through the Quad with friends.

Eight seniors shared with 网爆门 Today the one thing they need to do before they go.

Daniel Baris, a sport analytics and statistics major in the and the (A&S): 鈥淲in a championship in intramural wiffleball. My team has come close in the past, and I feel like this could be our year.鈥�

Caiyan Bass, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淭ake a trip up the Mount to visit Flint Hall, my freshman year residence hall. Walking through campus and the Quad to get to the top of the Mount steps was something I did every day when I first got to Syracuse. Going back would serve as a fun moment to not only remember that uphill trek, but also to reflect on everything the past four years have taught and given me.鈥�

Juinkye Chiang, an architecture major in the : 鈥淚 want to build a full-scale mockup of my architectural design, as this will be one of the only opportunities I will ever have to access the advanced fabrication facilities in Slocum Hall.鈥�

Tommy DaSilva, a public health, policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement major in the and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淗ave a movie night with friends. With college ending, I know that there is a very low possibility that I will live so close to all my friends again, so I want to make the most of our last few weeks together through our film nights.鈥�

Janese Fayson, a marketing听and听finance听major in the听 and executive vice president of the (SGA): 鈥淰isit every academic building on campus. Somehow, there are still a few I鈥檝e never stepped foot in, and it feels important to experience all the spaces that make up the University before I leave. It鈥檚 a way of fully taking in everything Syracuse has to offer while closing this chapter feeling complete.鈥�

Joy Mao, a television, radio and film major in the听, policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淚 took Fashion and Portraiture with Professor Gregory Heisler my sophomore year. It was an impactful class for my creative brain. One of the photographers we researched was Margaret Bourke-White, the first female photographer for Life magazine and the first female war correspondent. She gave her work to the University after she retired. I would like to visit the in Bird Library prior to graduation.鈥�

Emma Muchnick, a sport management major in the Falk College and a midfielder on the : 鈥淏efore I graduate, I want to win a national championship. To be able to bring back a national championship to Syracuse with this group would be so special and a perfect way to cap off my time as a student-athlete here. I’m so proud to represent this University and I want to do it on the biggest stage.鈥�

German Nolivos, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, public relations major in the Newhouse School, SGA president and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淰isit the chimes in the bell tower in Crouse College. It鈥檚 such a meaningful and recognizable part of the University, representing the history and tradition that defines the Syracuse experience. Being able to stand there before graduating feels like a full-circle moment.鈥�

Students interested in studying abroad in spring 2027 can begin applying on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET.

With over 60 program options and locations around the globe, from major cities to hidden gems, there’s a Syracuse Abroad experience waiting just around the corner. Syracuse Abroad centers in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile) and Strasbourg (France) are each designed to provide an authentic and immersive study abroad experience. Select World Partner programs are available across Africa, Asia, Australia and more.

View all .

New Program Features Debuting in Spring 2027

Iconic Travel Destination Added to Santiago Center Program Itinerary

Beginning in spring 2027, the Santiago Center program is adding an exciting component to its included travel itinerary: students will take a group trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, to explore the expansive Inca terrace system.

As a master class in agricultural innovation, students will dive into the history of this ancient land while studying soil conservation, water irrigation systems and more. In addition, all courses in the spring are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish beginner and intermediate Spanish language classes. This spring program is ideal for students who have basic Spanish-language skills and are interested in .

Looking to fulfill core course requirements? The course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by center director Mauricio Paredes, will now count as IDEA credit. This course studies the military coup of 1973 and its time period and evaluates its significance and contributions to the configuration of social, political and economic aspects of Chile today.

In addition, all students studying in Santiago in spring 2027 will receive a $2,000 location grant automatically applied to program costs. There is no additional application required.

Learn more about .

Syracuse Abroad Global Ambassador Isabella Gardea poses in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Special Program Launching for Environment, Health听 and Policy Enthusiasts

The Santiago Center will also offer a new program focusing on health, sustainability and the environment in Latin America. will include new focusing on local health practices Latin America.

Chile ranks among the region鈥檚 leaders in environmental legislation, public health reform and urban sustainability. Students on this program will explore the intersection of these issues through special courses and field trips, including visits to Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Buenos Aires and more.

Exclusive Communications Internship in Strasbourg, France

In collaboration with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Strasbourg Center has partnered with local publication station ARTE to create a new paid, nearly full-time, on-site internship program.

, a leading European media and cultural platform headquartered in Strasbourg just minutes from the Syracuse center, will host two prestigious internship opportunities in the Digital News and Global Offers divisions exclusively for Syracuse students. This credit-bearing internship program will allow students to intern, produce media and take related courses at the Strasbourg Center.

A limited number of opportunities are available, and all internship students will receive a monthly stipend and a $1,000 scholarship. The application deadline for the ARTE Internship program is Sept. 1; students can reach out to Brad Gorham or visit the to learn more.

Preparing to Study Abroad

The spring 2027 application cycle opens on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET and closes on Oct. 1 for most programs; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the exception of special programs and World Partner programs. The application deadline for World Partner programs is July 1. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program鈥檚 individual application page.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as many programs have limited capacity. Due to these constraints, securing a spot at specific Centers in the spring, and at World Partner programs, cannot be guaranteed. As part of the application, students will be asked to select a second and third choice program should their first choice program reach capacity.

For more information, students can with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore their options. Syracuse Abroad will continue to offer virtual advising appointments throughout the summer on a limited basis.听Visit the to view all application details and requirements.

Ready to recharge? Want to improve your health? Perform better? Prioritize your sleep.

Most college students operate on less than seven hours of sleep and that鈥檚 just not enough, says , director of counseling with the .

鈥淲e forget how essential sleep is to our functioning, our concentration, our physical well-being and our mental well-being,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淚t’s easy to forget that sleep is really important.鈥�

For the long-term, the human brain isn’t fully formed until age 25, and sleep is one of the most powerful tools that helps support that development.

How much sleep is considered good? Seven to nine hours, Brown says.

How can you get there? The Barnes Center offers ample resources for students struggling to get a good night鈥檚 sleep.

鈥淔rom access to the and other meditation and mindfulness tools to our and the , we鈥檙e committed to helping our students improve their sleep quality and help them sleep more,鈥� Brown says.

Here are four things to know about good sleep habits and what to avoid.

Go to Sleep and Let Your Brain Do Its Job

Sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, and our cells grow and regenerate while we鈥檙e asleep.

Sleep is also when, in the brain, the hippocampus consolidates information, turning short-term moments into long-term memories. Give your brain a chance to cement all that studying and classroom knowledge.

鈥淕etting deep, restorative sleep is so important for students because they鈥檙e doing a lot of academic work and they need to be sharp and focused,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淚f you start stacking nights of poor sleep, you鈥檒l see poor health habits start to form.鈥�

It can also lead to decreased concentration and focus and increased stress, hypertension, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Tip: Brown recommends students aim to fall asleep and wake up around the same time each day, to help develop and maintain the circadian rhythm, the body鈥檚 internal clock.

Damaging Effects of Screens on Sleep

Whether it鈥檚 a cell phone, tablet, laptop or television, the screens we use emit a specific light that disrupts our ability to fall asleep by mimicking daylight and stimulating activity in the brain.

Brown says the blue light suppresses the body鈥檚 release of melatonin, which helps naturally prepare the body to fall asleep, and tricks the brain into a state of alertness.

Tip: She recommends getting off your phone or other screens at least 30 minutes and preferably one hour before bedtime, to allow the brain enough time to wind down.

Healthy Alternatives to Screen Time

Instead of scrolling on your phone, Brown suggests keeping a nightly journal, reflecting on the lessons from the day while creating a to-do list for the next day.

鈥淭hat way, you get everything out of your mind before laying down for bed, and it won鈥檛 weigh on you as you fall asleep,鈥� Brown says.

Tip: All University students have premium access to the , which features guided meditation, mindfulness and bedtime exercises and a library of soothing sleep sounds.

What are healthy alternatives to screens?

• Taking a warm bath before bed
• Practicing deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises
• Washing your face with a calming lavender lotion or using pleasing fragrances
• Drinking herbal teas containing chamomile
• Reading a book with dim lighting

鈥淭he biggest key is getting yourself ready for sleep,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淗aving a nighttime routine is great because it helps you stack together good habits that will improve sleep quality.鈥�

How the Barnes Center Can Help

Brown says the ability to sleep is closely intertwined with eating habits, which is why help students understand how diet and meal timing affect sleep quality.

Exercise is also connected. Brown says students who regularly engage in physical activity enjoy better sleep quality and are encouraged to connect with recreation staff and personal trainers.

Among the offered to support better sleep and rest habits:

• appointments with or to discuss care options;
• sessions tailored for students struggling with sleep difficulties;
• self-care activities, tools and resources through the Crowley Family MindSpa; and
• .

鈥淧eople think you can catch up on sleep, but you really can’t reverse everything that happens to your body from constantly not sleeping well,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no substitute for getting a good night鈥檚 sleep.鈥�

Steam rose from bowls of homemade soup as students settled into their seats in the . A presentation on winter traditions in Turkey sparked conversation, drawing murmurs of recognition and a few nostalgic smiles.

When the slideshow ended, attendees gathered in small groups for a matching game connecting landmarks, customs and historical moments. Those more familiar with the traditions offered hints while others brought fresh curiosity to each pairing.

For an hour, Syracuse felt a little closer to Istanbul.

The gathering was part of the Maxwell School’s Culture and Conversation Tables, a series hosted by the Moynihan Institute that brings students and community members together to explore languages and cultures from around the world.

Held about once a month, each table takes a slightly different approach, from language-intensive practice sessions to film screenings and themed cultural presentations. All serve a shared purpose: building community while advancing Maxwell鈥檚 mission of exposing students to a wide range of perspectives and preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.

Moynihan is home to Maxwell’s seven regional centers, focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and South Asia. Located on the third floor of Eggers Hall, the institute supports teaching, research and programming that prepares students to engage with the world’s most pressing challenges. The Culture and Conversation Tables are a natural extension of that work.

鈥淭he tables are one of the most accessible ways we connect students to the world beyond the classroom,鈥� says , director of Moynihan and professor of political science. 鈥淲hether someone is preparing for fieldwork abroad, practicing a language they’re studying or simply curious about a part of the world they haven鈥檛 encountered before, these gatherings offer something genuinely valuable.鈥�

Much of the tables鈥� day-to-day coordination falls to George Tsaoussis Carter, event specialist, and , regional programs manager for Asia. 鈥淲hat stands out most is the enthusiasm students bring to these tables, both the ones who help organize them and the ones who show up to learn,鈥� says Baxter. 鈥淭hey leave with more than vocabulary or cultural trivia. They gain a broader sense of the world and a genuine connection to people from very different backgrounds.鈥�

Baxter is also impressed by the care and commitment of table hosts, which, on the Asia side, include faculty such as , and Tomoko Walker from the , as well as graduate students and, on occasion, highly motivated undergraduates.

Originally known as Language Tables, the program was renamed to reflect its broader emphasis on culture, conversation and connection, according to , associate director of the Moynihan Institute.

Over the years, the institute has hosted tables in more than 20 languages, many supported by U.S. Department of Education grants aimed at strengthening international and language education. Currently, 16 tables are offered, spanning languages from Arabic and Hindi-Urdu to Chinese, French and Tamil. For most of the tables, the institute partners with faculty and instructors in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences

The tables have at times reflected the urgency of world events. For instance, visiting scholar Tetiana Hranchak hosted a Ukrainian table that drew strong attendance from students across the University, some directly impacted by the war with Russia. Hranchak, who fled her home in Kyiv after the invasion, joined the Maxwell community through the Scholars at Risk program, which supports academics displaced by conflict and persecution.

The tables also give international students a place to hear their native language and share traditions from home. Open to all 网爆门 students, not just those in Maxwell programs, the tables invite anyone across campus to engage with new regions, customs and perspectives.

Story by Mikyala Melo

College students may experience a range of stressful events and time periods. From feelings of uncertainty to times of personal, family and/or community crisis, both on and off campus, the is ready to help guide and provide assistance.

One of the largest teams of its nature in the nation, 网爆门 SOS boasts seven dedicated individuals who work throughout the year to ensure that in times of need, students, alongside their supporters, faculty and staff, know and experience the strong yet individualized support of the Orange community.

The acronym 鈥淪OS鈥� is intentional, it is an internationally recognized distress signal used to request help. 鈥淭he nickname 鈥楽OS鈥� says it all, it embodies the urgency of our response to student support. There is no student issue too big or too small,鈥� says Shelley Crawford, director of Student Outreach and Support. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 a student self-seeking support or a member of their faculty, staff or family, always know we encourage members of the Orange community, near or far, to contact our team whenever it is felt that a student needs support of any kind.鈥�

SOS hosts an open and stigma-free space where students are encouraged to express their concerns early and often. 鈥淩eaching out doesn鈥檛 always mean something is seriously wrong, it simply means you鈥檙e taking a proactive step to get guidance, ask questions or explore available resources,鈥� says Sabrina Brown 鈥�26, office assistant.

Partnering With Student Outreach and Support

From academic, adjustment and transition support to emergency aid, navigating an illness, conflicts and more, whether the student鈥檚 issue is something the team can directly help with or not, they ensure a campuswide support network is ignited. The team is not just committed to helping students maintain their academics but also is dedicated to supporting their overall social and emotional well-being. To properly navigate whatever they may be struggling with, the SOS team connects students with guidance and additional resources.

鈥淚 wish more of the campus community understood just how many students we quietly support through challenges that go far beyond the classroom,” says Crawford. 鈥淥ur work is rooted in seeing and humanizing each student as a whole person and that approach makes a real difference in whether a student stays, perseveres and ultimately graduates. We champion our students, we are connectors and a constant in students’ lives when they need it most.鈥�

Students do not need to be in the midst of a crisis to contact the team. In fact, they do not need to have any life-altering or major issues at all. If feeling unsure, anxious or overwhelmed about anything pertaining to their academic or personal life, they are welcome to contact SOS.

鈥淔rom crisis to concerns in question, our goal is to help create a positive and supported student experience. Once a student connects with a case manager for the first time, they can reach out to them throughout their time at 网爆门 for support,鈥� says office coordinator Sarah O鈥橬eill.

Breaking Barriers and Strengthening Access to Support

No matter the issue and even if unsure where to begin, students shouldn鈥檛 feel alone in the process of seeking support. Student Outreach and Support is a built-in team available to strengthen the student experience and help students not only navigate times of uncertainty but to thrive as a student, graduate and find success throughout a lifetime.

鈥淔or students we create a one-on-one relationship rooted in support, advocacy, guidance and resources. Our consultations prioritize privacy and are equally empowering to those who may be unsure of how to best support their student,鈥� says associate director Catherine 鈥淜atie鈥� Storey. 鈥淣o one should feel embarrassed or worried about reaching out.鈥�

The team prioritizes human connection through being present and attentive to each unique situation. Offering personalized and one-on-one support, a team of non-clinical case managers is embedded within SOS. In addition to appointments and prioritizing students needing immediate help, case managers offer drop-in hours.

The team also understands that in a time of uncertainty it can be听intimidating to also meet someone new and share what can feel like vulnerable concerns. To make the first step of reaching out for support a little less daunting, putting a听face to a name and a heart behind the help, SOS case managers proactively open the door for connection with words of welcome.

鈥淲e鈥檙e a holistic support team for everyone,鈥� says Sue Sugar, case manager. 鈥淲hether you have an urgent concern or something that simply does not feel quite right, we want to hear from you. No issue is too small.鈥�

鈥淎 faculty member expressing care, a staff member taking a few extra minutes to listen or a parent encouraging their student to seek听help, can all be powerful entry points to support, support that builds or contributes to the foundation of trust that helps grow the access to our work,鈥� says Sandra Valdes-Lopez, case manager.

鈥淲hile we often engage with students in times of concern or crisis, our role is also preventative, educational and supportive across the student experience,鈥� says Wilfredo “Wil” Perez, case manager.

鈥淲itnessing students’ resilience and growth is what makes this work so meaningful,鈥� says Amber Saint Joy, case manager. 鈥淭here is something truly special about being on that journey with them, walking alongside a student as they face challenges, find their footing and discover that they don’t have to navigate it all alone.鈥�

Learn more and take action to support a student or receive support by visiting the , calling 315.443.4357 (HELP) or emailing studentsupport@syr.edu.

Story by Mirren Grimason 鈥�29

Sixty student organizations. Gray ribbons. Handwritten letters. A prayer. On Tuesday, April 28, the University community will rally to respond to Chancellor Kent Syverud’s recent cancer diagnosis with an unmistakable show of community and solidarity.

(SGA), in partnership with 60 recognized student organizations, will host a Go Gray in May: Brain Cancer Awareness Month Walk. The event will begin at noon in the Schine Student Center with a walk to Crouse-Hinds Hall at 2:30 p.m. There, the Rev. Devon Bartholomew, Christian Protestant chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, will lead those assembled in a prayer.

Chancellor Syverud announced on April 15 that he has been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. He is currently undergoing treatment at University of Michigan Medicine.

鈥淎fter the news broke, our SGA executive team came together to ask ourselves one question: 鈥楬ow do we respond?鈥欌�� says German Nolivos 鈥�26, SGA president. 鈥淐hancellor Syverud has been there for all of us鈥攖hrough every hard moment this University has faced. This is our chance to be there for him and his family.鈥�

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and the event will raise funds for the . Organizers are encouraging members of the University community to consider making a monetary donation. 鈥淭he most powerful thing we can do in this moment is fund the fight,鈥� Nolivos says.

Those who donate $15 or more and submit a screenshot of their donation to , the SGA鈥檚 home on Instagram, can claim a free T-shirt at Schine at the April 28 event.

Participants in the walk are encouraged to wear gray and pick up a gray ribbon at Schine that day. There will be a community poster wall for students, faculty and staff to leave messages of support for Chancellor Syverud and anyone in the community affected by brain cancer. There will also be a letter-writing station where individuals can write personal letters of support to Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen.

Participating organizations span every dimension of campus life: fraternities and sororities, cultural and identity organizations, pre-professional societies, advocacy groups, athletic clubs, honor societies and more. Nolivos says this will be the largest coalition of student organizations ever assembled for a single awareness event in recent University history.

鈥淲hen 60 organizations come together, that鈥檚 not just coordination鈥攖hat鈥檚 conviction,鈥� Nolivos says. 鈥淓very single one of these groups is choosing to show up. That means something. That tells you something about who we are as a university.鈥�

Additionally, the SGA Assembly passed a formal resolution on April 15 extending formal gratitude and support to Chancellor Syverud.

鈥淐hancellor Syverud has given this institution 12 years of transformational leadership,鈥� says Nolivos. 鈥淗e has shown up for students, for faculty, for staff and for this community through its hardest chapters. April 28 is our opportunity, all of us, to show up for him.鈥�